Charlie Sheen My Thoughts Are With Patrice O'Neal

10/26/2011 3:00 PM PDT

Charlie Sheen -- My Thoughts Are With Patrice O'Neal

Charlie Sheen was heartbroken when he learned comedian Patrice O'Neal, 41, suffered a stroke recently ... telling TMZ he's wishing "nothing but recovery" for the man who roasted him on Comedy Central last month.

Sheen released a statement saying, "[Patrice] is a gentle giant, a brilliant comedian, and a noble dude. Wishing him nothing but recovery, healing and laughter."

O'Neal's friend Jim Norton broke the sad news about Patrice this morning ... saying he suffered the stroke last week ... but adding, "We don’t know how he is. We don’t know how he’s going to be."